Mating a NV4500 to a LS 5.3

[Macdaddy1]

I have searched this site and other good sources for this information and have never gotten a direct confirmation from someone who has actually done this and what it entails. I am very partial to manual trans with overdrive and am searching the possibility of putting a NV4500 behind a 5.3 motor. In my current project I am putting a Tremac TKO 500 behind a 5.3 but that is the expensive route looking to find a cheaper solution for my next project. Anybody out there have actually done this or knows how to do this and what specific parts and details about the install?

[mongocanfly]

I've done it ....twice.....but if your looking for cheap then look elswhere... rebuilt nv4500s are bringing big $$$..I couldn't find a decent pullout...Advance adapters conversion is what I used on both..more big $$$....there are factory parts that can be used..if you can find them..... i looked for over a yr for that and never did find anything......then theres the speedo...the nv is elec... youd have to use electronic speedometer or convert it to cable drive...I used Dakota digital for that....more big $$$......

[mongocanfly]

But since you asked...
1. Nv4500...preferably post 96 model
2.AA bellhousing...LS to nv4500...pn 712576
3.AA flywheel,clutch,pressure plate....pn 712500M
4. AA Pivot ball bracket for z bar....pn 715534
5.Dakota digital speedo converter pn ecd100

The AA setup uses a clutch arm on drivers side.. so you'll have to figure that out
The factory setup is hyd and on pass side
I used my stock z bar on my c30
On my IH I'm having to use a wilwood hyd master and slave...

[Macdaddy1]

Mongocanfly

Would the NV4500 fit a LS 6.0 with out all of that expense and shenanigans?

[mongocanfly]

4.8,,5.3,,,6.0...they're all the same on the trans end...same setup works on all...
That's why I say..if your looking for cheap then look elsewhere.....
But all said and done...I love the nv4500...it was worth it to me...
But the nv is not a speed shifting high performance trans....its a truck trans...and shifts like one...and you need fairly low gears in the rear diff...or the od is useless....my c30 has 4.10s...my IH is getting 4.56s...both turn around 2k rpm at 65mph..
You might look at t56 or tr6060....although not cheap either..at least these did come behind the LS....
not sure what your putting it In...

[Macdaddy1]

I thought that the NV4500 got installed on some 6.0 on some Chevy's as standard issue. What was there bellhousing, clutch etc. hook up?

[mongocanfly]

Yes it did up till 2006 I think in 2500 and 3500 trucks...but those are the parts I referred to earlier about being near I possible to find....that stuff gets grabbed up very quick...like I said I looked for over a yr and never could get my hands on any of it....you may have more luck in your area though...

[Macdaddy1]

So I just got off Rock Auto and looked up the prices for the NV4500.

AMS Automotive kit 1470 $455
Includes: 1. Clutch master cylinder
2. Clutch slave cylinder
3. flywheel
4. Clutch kit
Also can purchase parts separate. $535
1. ACdelco Bellhousing 15998496 $192
2. LUK 04201 Clutch kit $171
3. Acdelco clutch pilot bearing CT1082 $10
4. Luk clutch slave cylinder LSC326 $62
5. Luk flywheel LF 4387 $100

So am I missing something here. All the parts seem to be able to be bought through Rock Auto and are available. Used NV4500 plus $535 for new parts to install seems alot more reasonable that tr56 or tr6060.

[mongocanfly]

Does that flywheel need a spacer?...I wouldnt have any idea if what you found will work...I just remember when I was searching long ago there was a lot of conflicting info on peicing together a swap...best of luck....
Keep in mind theres a difference in pre 96 and post 96 nvs...and then theres dodge nvs as well

[Macdaddy1]

I looked these up for a 2005 silverado 2500 6.0 with a NV4500 and that is what came up on Rock Auto. I would think there has to be a way for those that purchased those vehicles to by replacement parts.

[mongocanfly]

Good deal....when I did my c30 yrs ago.. there just wasn't much info on doing this NV to LS and most of it conflicted....be nice to see it work out ...

[Macdaddy1]

My only question is the back of a 6.0 motor where the flywheel attaches the same as a 5.3 so the 6.0 bellhousing and the rest of these parts would fit or is it different. If the 5.3 is different then I will need to try and source a 6.0.

[DieselSJ]

Originally Posted by Macdaddy1

My only question is the back of a 6.0 motor where the flywheel attaches the same as a 5.3 so the 6.0 bellhousing and the rest of these parts would fit or is it different. If the 5.3 is different then I will need to try and source a 6.0.

4.8/5.3/6.0 all share same bellhousing pattern.

[Macdaddy1]

Sweet 5.3 are cheaper and easier to find. Thanks for all of your replies so far.

Mongocanfly

Your truck is beautiful and I always look forward to your wisdom and knowledge on these builds.

[Ford Assassin]

Doing something similar in my 454 powered 2wd crew cab dually. My truck already was converted to a NV4500 using a pedal and master from a SM465 truck. The NV4500 is the early variant (1993) that used a passenger side bellhousing mounted slave cylinder.

I am almost ready to swap to a LS and retaining the NV4500. From countless reading, I found that using a Ram 1550x flywheel will allow me to use my factory 12" clutch. The later LS factory installed NV3500 and NV4500 used a smaller 11" clutch and flywheel. Using a factory GM LS7 pilot bearing is also needed because it is long enough to support the input shaft on the NV4500.

[kipps]

I'm doing this as well with a '92-'94 nv4500 with a passenger side external slave.

I'm using a stock flywheel for a '05-ish 4.8 or 6.0. The friction surface of this flywheel will be about an eighth of an inch forward of the friction surface on a Gen 1 350. I hope to use an adjustable pivot ball to make up the difference.

I fully expect to have no problem running a '05-ish clutch and pressure plate. To be fair, I haven't yet gotten the bellhousing in hand(am bidding on one on ebay now), but I'm quite confident it will work with a stock '05 flywheel and clutch.

I've been assured by someone on facebook, that the passenger side nv4500 slave won't be a problem with the passenger side driveshaft on a non-lifted truck. I'll just see, I guess.

I'm looking into options for mating the passenger side external nv4500 slave to the squarebody master cylinder. I think I've identified the fittings needed.

[kipps]

Further, I highly suspect the ram-1550 and the nfw1050('05-ish stock truck replacement) are the same dimensions and fit-up.

The obvious difference is that the expensive Ram flywheel is billet steel, and won't fly apart during racing situations. If you're not racing, I'd at least consider the stock 05 flywheel.

[mongocanfly]

I used to have a list of the factory parts needed to connect a LS to a nv4500....but after much searching for those parts I gave up and went with the AA setup...its by no means cheap but it works very well..
I think the list came from LS tech...but there is a combo of factory GM parts to do it

[Ford Assassin]

Originally Posted by kipps

Further, I highly suspect the ram-1550 and the nfw1050('05-ish stock truck replacement) are the same dimensions and fit-up.

The obvious difference is that the expensive Ram flywheel is billet steel, and won't fly apart during racing situations. If you're not racing, I'd at least consider the stock 05 flywheel.

Wrong, unfortunately. I have had both the Ram 1550 and the NFW1050 side by side and the 12" earlier clutch overhangs the edge on the NFW1050 flywheel made for a 11" clutch. Plus the pressure plate fingers aren't quite long enough using the NFW1050 for some reason.

Believe me, I wish the NFW1050 would work the same as the Ram 1550x, especially since it's 1/4 the price through RockAuto.

[kipps]

Originally Posted by Ford Assassin

Wrong, unfortunately. I have had both the Ram 1550 and the NFW1050 side by side and the 12" earlier clutch overhangs the edge on the NFW1050 flywheel made for a 11" clutch. Plus the pressure plate fingers aren't quite long enough using the NFW1050 for some reason.

Believe me, I wish the NFW1050 would work the same as the Ram 1550x, especially since it's 1/4 the price through RockAuto.

Okay, I'm confused. I'll start at the beginning of what I've tried.

I've had a stock '87 350 tbi with a sm465 and hydraulic bell. I replaced the clutch a couple years ago with a RAM OE replacement clutch disk and pressure plate. A friend had told me the RAM clutches were superior to the parts-store variety. At the same time, I installed a stock replacement flywheel from a local parts store. Everything worked fine, but the engine was nearly dead.

Link to the exact clutch disk and pressure plate I used.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/r...olet/model/v20


My clutch disk measured 11-7/8" in diameter. I assume this is called a 12" clutch.

I purchased my LS engine(2010 5.3), and mocked it up with the sm465, hydraulic bell, and all clutch parts mentioned above. I used a '05 stock flywheel, which bolted up fine to my LS engine. I pulled the dowel pins out of the flywheel face, reamed three of the bolt holes on my old pressure plate, and bolted the clutch and pressure plate(see link above) to that '05 flywheel. It fit perfectly. The hydraulic bell installed fine as well. I did not actually stab the sm465 into the thing, but I'm sure it would have worked.

I don't remember being concerned about the pressure plate overhanging the edge of that 05 flywheel. It may have a little, but it wouldn't have mattered enough that I remember it.

The only other tweaking needed on this above setup, would be an adjustable pivot ball, to move the throwout bearing 1/8" closer to the engine.

That's all been a year ago, and it's just been sitting. I've now found an early nv4500 that I intend to use instead. Considering the nv4500 was designed as a drop-in replacement for the sm465, It should fit over the same clutch and flywheel designed for the sm465. Thus, it should fit fine with a LS engine, a 05 flywheel, and a 1987 12" clutch and pressure plate.

It does feel silly to be using a 1987 clutch set on a 05 flywheel. If I can afford it, I'd like to buy a 05 clutch and use that. the 05 disk and plate should be a better designed match for the 05 flywheel, and hopefully grip better.

Another note = I assume both the RAM flywheel and the 1050 flywheel are 168 tooth. If so, the ring gear is the same diameter on both. The only reasons it would matter if the pressure plate overhangs a little, is if it hits the bellhousing or the starter nose.

Are you sure you have the nfw1050 flywheel, or a stock replacement '05 flywheel? It sorta' sounds like you found something smaller than I did.

[kipps]

Another thing. Could you post a few pics of your two flywheels, with a tape measure laid across them? Also show a pic of your pressure plate sitting on top of each.

I'll try to get some pics myself of my '05 stock flywheel and clutch. It's not in the truck yet, and it needs to come apart to install the nv4500 anyway.

[mongocanfly]

I'd be curious about the nv4500 fitting a sm465 bellhousing..I've read it both ways ,some say it's a direct bolt up, others say the nv4500 needs drilled and tapped to fit the sm465 bellhousing...
If I remember correctly theres about .100 difference in oal between in bellhousings
And if it does what about your pilot bearing?

[kipps]

Originally Posted by mongocanfly

I'd be curious about the nv4500 fitting a sm465 bellhousing..I've read it both ways ,some say it's a direct bolt up, others say the nv4500 needs drilled and tapped to fit the sm465 bellhousing...
If I remember correctly theres about .100 difference in oal between in bellhousings
And if it does what about your pilot bearing?

I had an 87-ish(iron-top) sm465 and a 92-94 nv4500 sitting side-by-side yesterday. Both were 4x4.

total length including tailhousings = within a quarter inch.

Shifter location = nv4500 is rearward about four inches.

Input shaft and front bearing retainer were completely identical, except that I did not accurately measure the front retainer diameter. They looked like the same size, but may have been slightly different.

None of the bolt holes will line up. I've confirmed that. The linked thread explains a possible drilling process.

https://www.4btswaps.com/threads/red...3509/?id=23509

I've got two big hesitations with drilling the transmission to fit my sm465 bell. #1, the drilling process itself. I would probably want to gut the case to reduce the chance of contamination while drilling the open-ended holes. #2, I've never had much luck installing a transmission and bellhousing together. It's always worked best for me to install the bell first, then install the transmission. If I reuse my existing bell, the bolts will be going in from the front side, and I'll be forced to do any transmission R&R while attached to the bellhousing.

Output shaft spline count, diameter, and length are identical.

Transfer case flange is identical.

A notable difference, is the rear transmission mount is setting at a different height. The nv4500 will need the rear cross-member lowered a half-inch or more. Didn't get an accurate measurement, just noted the difference.

The weight was surprisingly similar(with tail-housings included, but not including bells). Both were brutally heavy, and the nv4500 is probably a hair heavier. But I'd guess the difference is less than 20 pounds. The aluminum shift cover and aluminum tail-housing cut the weight a bit, I guess.

I intend to get both transmissions out again before installation, and photograph the dimensional differences.

[mongocanfly]

That confirms the bolt pattern difference...I'd be hesitant about drilling into a expensive nv4500 ... not that I couldnt..I'm confident I could...but I sure hate to chance ruining the housing...the AA bellhousing has the clutch fork on the drivers side...that could been benefit with your 4x4...but also creates the headache of moving everything around...may be worth a call to AA..
I cant remember from what, but there is a oem bellhousing that will work and keep slave on pass side

[kipps]

I'm intending to buy a bellhousing designed for the 92-94 nv4500. My transmission didn't come with one, so I need to find it elsewhere. With this factory 92-94 bellhousing, the slave will be just below the starter on the passenger side. It's tucked in pretty neatly beside the oil pan, and I've been led to believe that it won't cause any interference with the squarebody passenger-side driveshaft. I'm going by that person's word. I hope it's correct.